Contact Information

Upward Bound

What is Upward Bound?

Sharpened academic skills plus exposure to various new social, cultural, and recreational
activities help to make students better informed, more aware, and self-confident.
TRIO Upward Bound can help students complete high school and be prepared to be successful
at the college level and beyond.

What does the program involve?

There are two parts: A summer residential program and an academic year program.

Summer Residential ProgramThe 6-week residential summer program combines concentrated academic work and recreational
activities for students in grades 9-12. Students live on campus in a dormitory and
experience an introduction to college life. Activities during the week consist of
mandatory morning and afternoon classes. The classroom work addresses academic weakness
or enrichment and attempts to prepare the student for the next school year.

Afternoons and evenings include special activities and field trips to various close-by
cities, visiting other colleges and universities, and various other activities which
may include visiting nature reserves, attending local plays and concerts, and participating
in cultural workshops. There are also opportunities to meet with Upward Bound students
on other local college campuses.

A special note to parents

Adult supervision is on a 24-hour basis when Upward Bound students are in residence
during the summer program. Besides the regular staff, the summer staff consists of
six instructors, one housing supervisor and six tutor-counselors. The staff assists
each student in meeting academic, social or personal needs.

Bridge Program

Upward Bound students who have graduated from high school, who have been admitted
to an institution of higher learning, and who have attended at least one year of the
Summer Program are eligible to participate in the Bridge program. Students attending
the Bridge Program are enrolled for credit in general education courses at Lock Haven
University. Students can earn up to 6 credit hours that can be easily transferred
to other colleges or universities. It's an opportunity for the students to get a jump
on earning college credits and get a taste of college level academics while in a supportive
environment.

Academic Year ProgramThroughout each academic year, Upward Bound students have Academic Center Educator
at their home school. This individual, usually a guidance counselor or teacher, is
responsible for meeting weekly with the students and providing individualized tutoring,
guidance, and counseling in academic, career, social, or personal matters. The students,
with the help of the ACE, become familiar with the process of choosing a college and
career, completing college applications, and preparing college essays. Students also
receive help with improving study skills, organizational skills, and test taking skills.
The ACE works closely with the students and can tailor lesson topics to the specific
needs of the students involved in the program.

Each school year, the students visit Lock Haven University campus during its regular
session to receive a brief introduction to college life. Upward Bound seniors become
increasingly interested in this experience as they apply to various colleges and universities.
The Upward Bound staff assists seniors and their parents in this college review process,
and helps prepare college applications and financial aid forms.

Additional Benefits to Academic Year Program

Juniors and seniors in the Upward Bound Program receive fee waivers for the SAT I
and II. Participating seniors also receive fee waivers for college applications.

In addition, Upward Bound sponsors a bridge program each summer for students who have
graduated from high school. Intended to “bridge” the gap between high school and college,
students who have been accepted to a post-secondary institution, who have attended
at least one prior summer program, and who are actively attending weekly Upward Bound
meetings, are enrolled in at least one college course at Lock Haven University. There
is no charge to the students for the course and the college credits earned are transferable
to the college their of choice.

TRIO Upward Bound is funded by a grant from the United States Department of Education,
in the amount of $250,000. It is supported by additional funding and services from
LHU of Pennsylvania, local school districts, and community partners.